Now it starts to get intense for Michael Sam and the rest of the Rams rookies in St. Louis. The first openly gay player drafted in the NFL is enthusiastic about the challenge.

“I’m so excited to be back with the guys,” Sam said. “Football’s fun.”

Sam hopes there will be less attention about his sexual orientation, but added his focus has to be on making the team. He said he’s in the best shape of his life, dropping 13 pounds in the month since the last OTA workout, weighing in at 257 pounds. “Feeling great,” he said. “It’s just where I want to be speed-wise, so I can run fast and make plays. I want to be as fast as I can.”

Just as they did after the draft and during OTAs, teammates didn’t seem to care that Sam was gay. Offensive lineman Demetrius Rhaney, taken the pick after the Rams created a stir by selecting Sam, had only compliments. “He’s a football player, he’s not a bother,” Rhaney said. “He’s laid-back, funny, jokes a lot. Pretty good.”

Quarterback Garrett Gilbert, drafted in the sixth round out of Southern Methodist, is more worried about learning the seventh offense in eight seasons counting high school and college.

“When Mike got drafted he became part of our team, and that’s what he is,” Gilbert said. “We’re both here competing, our jobs aren’t guaranteed. He as well as the other guys in our rookie class are members of this family.”

Sam knows he must improve across the board to make the team. The Rams already had one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, with stars Robert Quinn and Chris Long at the ends, before taking Sam in the seventh round. Long was among those observing on Tuesday. “It’s not college anymore,” Sam said. “That’s child’s play compared to this.”

On Day 1 Sam played right end. He was the SEC co-defensive player of the year at Missouri rushing from the left side. “I thought I did pretty good,” he said. “Not totally satisfied because I haven’t been on the right side in a few years.”

At times, Sam had to try and get past Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick of the draft who played a little tackle. Robinson will play guard.

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